Judiciary
Appeal Court stops execution of judgment releasing Nnamdi Kanu
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Friday stopped the execution of its judgment that quashed the terrorism charge and ordered the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Recall that the appellate court had on Oct. 13 delivered a judgment which faulted the rendition of Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria and also set aside the terrorism charges against him.
The federal government not satisfied with this judgment said that it would explore every legal avenue to quash the judgment of the appellate court and approached the Supreme Court.
The government after appealing the appellate court’s judgment, filed a stay of execution on the grounds that releasing Kanu would not be in the interest of national security.
After taking arguments from counsel, a three-member panel of justices led by Justice Haruna Tsammani on Monday reserved a ruling on the matter.
Delivering the ruling on Friday, Justice Tsammani held that the Federal Government’s application for a stay of execution had merit and ordered that the execution of the judgment be put on hold.
Justice Tsammani, in the brief ruling, held that the counter affidavit filed by Kanu’s legal team in opposition to the government’s application was misleading.
The judge said that Kanu’s counsel did not properly state the facts of the matter to warrant the court granting a stay of execution.
The court also ruled that the record of proceedings in respect of the Oct. 13 judgment be forwarded to the apex court within seven days to ensure an expeditious hearing.
The Federal Government had applied that the execution of the judgment is suspended pending the hearing and determination of its appeal at the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has, however, not fixed a date to hear the federal government’s appeal against the appellate court’s ruling that discharged Kanu and quashed the terrorism charge against him.
Appeal Court stops execution of judgment releasing Nnamdi Kanu
Judiciary
Man in court for sexually harassing neighbour’s wife
The police on Thursday arraigned a 42-year-old man, Ogundare Anuoluwapo in Ado-Ekiti for sexually harassing his neighbour’s wife.
Anuoluwapo, whose address was not provided, was charged with sexual harassment before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Alice Ojo, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Dec. 8, 2024 at 5.00p.m in Ado-Ekiti.
Ojo said that the defendant sexually harassed his neighbour’s wife, Mrs Esther Sikiru, by constantly requesting for sexual intercourse from her.
She said that the defendant also threatened the complainant during the sexual overtures.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 270(1)&(2) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
She urged the court to adjourn the case to enable her study the file and assemble witnesses.
The defence counsel, Mrs Adunni Olanipekun, urged the court to grant her client bail, promising that he would not jump bail.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Abayomi Adeosun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.
Adeosun adjourned the case until Feb. 20 for mention.
Headlines
Court dissolves marriage after return of N20, 000 bride price
An Area Court sitting at Centre-Igboro in Ilorin on Thursday dissolved the Islamic marriage between Wuraola Surajudeen and Surajudeen Omo Iya-Onitasi.
The Presiding Judge, Hammed Ajumonbi, pronounced the dissolution of the marriage after the now ex-wife refunded the N20, 000 bride price to the now ex-husband.
Ajumonbi held that both parties, who were residents of Abayawo in Ilorin, could go their separate ways since there was no child between them.
The court, however, asked the woman to file another case to claim her belongings still in the custody of the man, saying the application before it was only for divorce.
Earlier, Wuraola had on Nov. 27 filed for divorce and cited lack of love and affection as reasons.
Surajudeen, who did not oppose the application, had however insisted on the refund of the bride price he paid.
However, Wuraola while returning the bride price, had told the court that she did not pick anything before leaving their matrimonial home.
She had urged the court to grant her permission to pack her belongings, but the court refused and asked her to file an application to that effect.
Africa
Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has handed over illicit drugs worth N117.59 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Comptroller of the command, Mr James Ojo, disclosed this during the handing over of the drugs to Mr Olusegun Adeyeye, the Commander of NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command, in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Friday.
Ojo said the customs handed over the seized cannabis and tramadol tablets to the Idiroko Special Command for further investigation in line with the standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration.
He said the illicit drugs were seized in various strategic locations between January and November 21, 2024, in Ogun State.
He added that the illicit drugs were abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and Imeko Afton axis.
Ojo said that the seizure of the cannabis sativa and tramaling tablets, another brand of tramadol, was made possible through credible intelligence and strategic operations of the customs personnel.
“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants and sister agencies.
“These landmark operations are testament to the unwavering dedication of the NCS to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.
He said the seizures comprised 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each, with a total Duty Paid Value of N117,587,405,00.
He described the height of illicit drugs smuggling in the recent time as worrisome.
This, he said, underscores the severity of drug trafficking within the borders.
“Between Oct. 13 and Nov. 12 alone, operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each,” he said.
Ojo said the seizures had disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks those substances posed to the youth, families and communities.
He lauded the synergy between its command, security agencies and other stakeholders that led to the remarkable achievements.
Ojo also commended the Comptroller General of NCS for creating an enabling environment for the command to achieve the success.
Responding, Adeyeye, applauded the customs for achieving the feat.
Adeyeye pledged to continue to collaborate with the customs to fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking in the state.
-
Business3 years ago
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
-
Headlines3 years ago
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
-
Foreign3 years ago
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Technology4 months ago
Zero Trust Architecture in a Remote World: Securing the New Normal
-
Entertainment2 years ago
Phyna emerges winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7
-
Business8 months ago
Nigeria Customs modernisation project to check extortion of traders
-
Business10 months ago
We generated N30.2 bn revenue in three months – Kano NCS Comptroller
-
Headlines7 months ago
Philippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet